From State Champion Coach to Vice Presidential Candidate: The Journey of Tim Walz and the Mankato West Scarlets

Seth Greenwald, a linebacker on the championship-winning Mankato West high school team from southern Minnesota, answered a call recently from a reporter in Paris, amidst growing interest in his former coach, Tim Walz. The unexpected scrutiny arrived on the heels of Walz being named as the running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in her 2024 presidential campaign.

“You’re in Paris to cover the Olympics, and you want to talk to me?” Greenwald chuckled, astonished. This wasn’t an isolated incident; former teammates began to receive calls from major media outlets like TMZ, The Daily Beast, and Time, as interest in their championship days reignited. Fellow player Eric Stenzel reflected candidly, “It feels like we’re the ‘72 Dolphins or something,” referencing the NFL’s legendary unbeaten team.

Before his political career, Walz was known for his passionate coaching style as well as his comprehensive understanding of the game. “Coach Walz was an assistant coach who taught history; the cadence of his coaching is something I still hear,” remarked John Considine, an offensive lineman from that era.

College life in Mankato was a drastic change for Walz and his family, who relocated from Nebraska in 1996 to be closer to Gwen’s family. Coach Rick Sutton and others who worked alongside him were quick to recognize Walz’s commitment and talent. “I had an intuition that he was the right fit for our staff,” Sutton recounted of Walz’s hiring.

Former players like Mitch Salsbery shared a more retrospective look: “When Walz came in, it brought a different kind of energy—we were used to disappointing seasons, and his arrival inspired a feeling of change.” With a record as poor as 1-26 his initial years, the transformation Walz enacted in the team was palpable.

Walz’s unique coaching style came with an intensive focus on team mentality which often exceeded conventional strategies. “It wasn’t just about playing football; it was about being truly dedicated,” Salsbery assessed. Coach Walz’s deliberative touchdown drills and laughter in the locker room helped players build character both on and off the field.

Former players attribute their on-field success largely to Walz’s emphasis on enthusiasm and camaraderie as the backbone of their achievements. “He proudly claimed that joy and positivity were contagious in our achievements every game,” remarked Adam Friedman. When Walz partook in the tackling drills, it was his way of integrating his passion directly with the players.

Walz worked at Mankato West until 2006 and continued to parallel his growth within the political arena, eventually being elected as Minnesota’s governor in 2018. With his new contributions to politics, former players are reconciling their memories of Coach Walz as an iconic figure from their high school days and the statesman he has become. “His ability to connect deeply with people has yielded him opportunities that are not surprising,” Salsbery added.

As players look back on their time under Walz, they continue to reflect on the motivation he provided. “He taught us that we had the potential to be more than just a team coming off the bench through sheer dedication and understanding,” noted Nate Hood. As they embrace their shared history, the narratives of impact and memories of a former football coach continue to resonate with the ongoing national story of Tim Walz’s political journey.

As their former coach garners national attention, former players from the 1999 championship team acknowledge the emotional journey they are on. Reminiscing about the historical highs and the culture of enthusiasm that Walz instilled, they shared a revelation that every interaction built a special bond they still cherish today.

Coach Walz’s trademark enthusiasm was not just an athletic pastime; it constituted a culture of commitment that matured “tough kids into leaders.” For many, the realization of their coach becoming a recognized politician is a surprise, yet they recognize the qualities that guided countless kids toward success span beyond just football.